Hot Rods 29 RPU- "Street/Strip" B/SR Build - Marty Strode

I have been collecting drive train parts for a long time, with plans of building a Street/Drag Hot Rod. A year ago, I was fortunate to buy an older restoration, that was dissembled. With pretty nice sheet metal (no plans to re-paint) at this time, my two favorite RPU's are Dean Lowe's and Jim Stevens, and my goal is to build something along the lines of these exemplary, historic trucks. I have been in and out of Drag Racing for 55 years, racing everything from a Honda 50 to a Nostalgia T/F Dragster, and can't wait to drop the clutch @ 7,000 ! The plan is to have 2 complete engine/trans combo's, from the tip of the fan to the tail of the transmissions, with headers on each one. My race engine (shown) is a 355", Dart Iron Eagle Heads, JE pistons, 6"rods, Scat crank, Hilborn Injector, Vertex Mag. The street engine will be a 327 or 350, with a Weiand Cross Ram, with 390 Holley carbs, and Vertex as well. Both have scattershield bells, and are backed by wide ratio Ford Toploaders. The rear axle is a 301 Halibrand, with 4C Racing wide 5 hubs, drum brakes and a locker. Well, so much for the lead in, time to get to work, construction pics in the morning, I got a good start today !

 

I hope this thread comes with time slips!

 

Oh, it will !!!!!!!

 

Great idea Marty. That build style is waaay under represented these days and those are two of the very best examples. Dean's RPU was one of those cars that burned into my pre-teen brain never to fade away. Back then I wished my Dad would build us a hot rod like that. (To his credit, he built an inboard ski boat that all five of us could enjoy instead). Gonna enjoy watching this one come together.

 

Glad you are finally starting the RPU project Marty. And your flattery is too kind.

 

this will be a good one! let me get the popcorn started!!!

 

This is gonna be Good...

 

subscribed

 

Subscribed, as I too will be following this thread with great interest!!

 

I'm In!

 

Following this...

 

Im in.

 

Oh yea! Can't wait. Your abilities are outstanding.

 

Awesome!

 

This is gonna be a goodie! Can’t wait to see your progress.

 

I see you already have side plates

I'm interested in finding out what's inside that Halibrand when you get to that point.

 

I’m in!!!!

 

You said "Dean Lowe" and "RPU" in the same paragraph, I'm in.

 

Thanks for the great replies ! I started this project by purchasing a perimeter frame from Classic Street Rod Mfg, Ontario,Ca. By my request, they left the rear C/M off and tack welded some braces to keep it square, during transport to Portland. Yesterday, I fabbed up the frame tails and got the original Model A- C/M mocked up to set the spring center bolt, 7.5" to the rear, of stock. For those who followed along the Spalding Bros. Track Roadster I built for Pat Ganahl, this build will have plenty of detailed photos. Once I have double checked the mock up, it will get tacked welded in place, pending how the rear tire centers in the wheel opening, before final welding. That way, I will have some slip factor. I plan on setting the engine mounts later today, let's see how the day goes.

 

Beautiful Marty!

 

I will be interested to see what you do with the bed floor and the stepped rear frame section.

 

This is gonna be great!! My vote for the street engine would be the 327.
I love to watch your threads - always learning something!

 

Subbed. There is no cure for an addiction to hot rod pornography.

 

Subscribed!

 

Following along, if I can keep up.

 

Bruce, I have a 31 spline carrier, Gleason Torsen ? And a Tiger, polished 4.10 ring and pinion. I know I will need to machine the carrier for proper fit, be assured, I will be contacting you.

 

You boys have been having such a good time at the Toutle Drags, I thought I had better join the fun !

 

Looks like this one will be another sweet rig. I am sure ill see it tearing up the town in the future.

 

My thoughts also!

 

Dean,
I did some work on Mitch Kim's 29 PU that has the same kick up, he told me the floor required a slot in the center. So, I had planned on a removable aluminum cover, over the arch in the middle.